updated 12:29 pm EDT, Tue October 15, 2013

New FuelBand SE algorithms add accuracy to activity monitoring

Nike has launched an updated version of its Fuelband activity monitoring device at its NikeFuel Forum event. The Nike+ FuelBand SE retains the same basic design of the original, adding some bright accents to the main black color, but it is now able to more accurately track movements used in specific types of activities through its new algorithms, making it much harder to fool.

Inside the wrist-based device is a redesigned circuit board said to provide greater flexibility when compared to the original, with the new version also claimed to have improved water resistance, Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity is also included, along with an updated version of its mobile apps, and the same single-button control and multi-LED display as before. Double tapping the device will now show the time, as an extra improvement.

Fuel Rate, a tracker for how much NikeFuel is being earned from minute to minute, will show up on the Nike+ FuelBand app as a number, along with a color from red to green depending on the level of activity. A new sessions system will let users define the start and end of a specific activity, allowing for the wearer to gain feedback on how much NikeFuel they generated throughout it.

A new "Win the Hour" system is said to motivate users by monitoring movement for each hour of a day, promoting users to move if they're missing their goal or letting users know they have "won the hour" if they move enough. Groups will let users share their achievements with other FuelBand SE owners, as well as working towards a common group goal. The FuelBand SE will also alert to milestones, with users able to earn achievements for hitting specific levels for NikeFuel totals, Fuel Rate, sessions, streaks, and hours won in "Win the Hour."

The accompanying Nike+ Running app for iPhone will include the option to share photos from before, during, or after their run through social networks automatically. The new Auto-Pause will temporarily stop the workout if the GPS detects the runner has stopped moving, and also brings up a camera icon on-screen for picture taking, with the workout and tracking resuming once movement is detected again.

The Nike+ FuelBand SE will go on sale from November 6th for $149, and it will be available in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, and Japan. The updated Nike+ apps will be out on the same day, but only on iOS. An Android version is still notably absent.